Keiji Furuya reveals PM Takaichi called China sanctions ‘honorable’

Keiji Furuya, chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Friendship Parliamentarians' Union and a member of the Liberal Democratic Party, has revealed that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sent him an email describing his recent sanctions by China as a ‘very honorable sanction.’

In March, Beijing imposed sanctions on Furuya, which included a ban on his entry into China and the freezing of his assets in the country, following his frequent visits to Taiwan. Speaking to reporters at Tokyo's Haneda Airport following a visit to Taiwan for its National Day celebrations, Furuya characterized the Prime Minister's remarks as ‘political wit.’ He explained that the sentiment implied being recognized and remembered by a superpower like China is itself an honor.

Furuya emphasized that these developments and his comments would not impact Japan-China relations.